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Nasal polyps and sinusitis in children with cystic fibrosis
1Institute of Laryngology and Otology, London.
Insights
This study investigated children with cystic fibrosis and nasal polyps, finding no clear link between sinus infections and sputum cultures. Severe nasal polyposis did not correlate with increased atopy in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, frequently leading to sinonasal complications like nasal polyps.
- Nasal polyps in children with CF are common and can impact quality of life and respiratory function.
- The relationship between sinonasal microbial colonization and lower airway infections in CF patients remains an area of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the correlation between microbial cultures from sinus washouts and sputum samples in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis and nasal polyps.
- To assess the relationship between the severity of nasal polyposis and atopic status in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Study included eighteen children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and nasal polyps.
- Sinus washout and sputum samples were collected for microbial culture.
- Patients underwent polypectomy, with data recorded on age at initial surgery and severity of polyposis.
- Atopic status was evaluated in relation to polyposis severity.
Main Results:
- Microbial growth was limited, with organisms cultured from only 5 of 15 sinus washouts and 9 of 15 sputum samples.
- No significant correlation was observed between the microbial findings in sinus washouts and sputum.
- Severe nasal polyposis did not show a clear association with increased atopy in the studied patients.
Conclusions:
- The microbial profiles of the upper and lower airways may not be directly correlated in pediatric CF patients with nasal polyps.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of infections and inflammation in CF-related sinonasal disease.
- Atopy does not appear to be a primary driver for severe polyposis in this CF population.
Abstract:
Eighteen children suffering from cystic fibrosis and nasal polyps were studied. Two patients presented with nasal polyps at two years of age; the remaining patients had an initial polypectomy at any age up to fifteen years (mean age of seven and a half years). There were no obvious correlations between the cultures of the sinus washouts and the corresponding sputum samples. Organisms were only grown from five of the fifteen wash outs and from nine of the sputum samples. The patients with severe polyposis were not obviously more atopic.